Vlad closed his eyes for a moment, taking a deep breath that didn't help in the slightest. When he opened them again, he turned slowly to look back at his companion. His eyes weren't quite back to normal, and his smile was utterly humorless and bitter. "It wasn't. But that's why they were really trying to keep me out." His gaze was already moving on, to the doorway, and when he spoke again, it was quiet murmur. "Excuse me, Thomas." He strode out without another word.

Vlad needed to calm down. He needed to pace his room until he wore a track in the carpet. He had no idea if or when Alice might seek him out, but if she saw him like this, she'd ask awkward questions.

Also Edward may or may not get punched from keeping that from him. Not that it would hurt the boy. But it would make Vlad feel better.